Vilnius Metro (Lithuanian: Vilniaus metropolitenas) is a proposed rapid transit system in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. Three lines are currently proposed to connect the busiest and most populous city districts. Its purpose is the relief of traffic congestion, which increased significantly in the 1990s and 2000s. In 2001 Mayor Artūras Zuokas requested international support for a feasibility study of the proposed system. The proposal was approved as part of the city's master plan by the Vilnius Municipal Council in 2002.Systra was chosen by the city as a study partner; the Scott Wilson Group conducted a public-private financing feasibility study during 2005 and 2006.
Vilnius Metro Logo was created in 2005 by a young artist and graphic Designer Anna Fiodorova. She then won a contest of 'Vilnius Metro Logo" design competition and among 500 contestants. Fiodorova's Logo Design was the one that the judges of the contests decided to choose.
As of 2007, the project was the subject of intense debate by politicians and citizens. The concerns include cost (an estimated 3 billion litas), the possibility that vibrations would damage the historic buildings in Vilnius Old Town, and the perception that streets would be closed.
Vilnius (Lithuanian pronunciation: [ˈvʲɪlʲnʲʊs]; Polish: Wilno, see also other names) is the capital of Lithuania and its largest city, with a population of 542,664 as of 2015. Vilnius is located in the southeast part of Lithuania and is the second largest city in the Baltic states.
Vilnius is the seat of the Vilnius City Municipality and of the Vilnius District Municipality. It is also the capital of Vilnius County. The first known written record of Vilnius as the Lithuanian capital is known from Gediminas' letters in 1323.
Vilnius is classified as a Gamma global city according to GaWC studies, and is known for the architecture in its Old Town, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Its Jewish influence until the 20th century has led to it being described as the "Jerusalem of Lithuania" and Napoleon named it "the Jerusalem of the North" as he was passing through in 1812. In 2009, Vilnius was the European Capital of Culture, together with the Austrian city of Linz.